Celebrating Fall It is a season of change, comfort, and connection—filled with simple pleasures that invite us to slow down and enjoy the moment.
What Makes Fall Special Changing colors, falling leaves, cooler weather, and rainy days Pumpkins, cozy fires, outdoor walks, and Halloween Comfort foods such as homemade meatloaf, potatoes, fall squash, and warm cider
My Fall Favorites I love everything pumpkin, especially my first Starbucks pumpkin latte of the season and a batch of homemade pumpkin muffins (recipe below). As Arizona temperatures finally cool, I also look forward to long walks and bike rides.
A Season for Connection Fall brings families together as we prepare for Halloween and the holidays ahead. It is also a chance to revisit New Year’s resolutions and finish the year with purpose. It is a season for warm blankets, cozy snuggles, and meaningful time with the people we love.
A Time to Reflect
October 24th is World Polio Day. As Rotarians, we continue the pledge to End Polio. Please read the article by Jim Bissonett, our Foundation Chair, and learn about the Kennel Klub!
What is your favorite thing about fall? Send me your fall colors, favorite recipe, or activities. Please connect—I always love hearing from you!
Well, I don't have a pet but I have a stuffed bear! Guest what! You can adopt a pet to be a PolioPlus champion. I sponsored a friend's service dog, Kona, and here is her official membership letter. What a great way to support Rotary's polio initiative and honor a loved pet. (Membership is not limited to dogs and cats, they also have guinea pigs, hamsters, and snakes - Oh My!)
World Polio Day is observed annually on October 24 by Rotary International to raise awareness, funds, and support for the global eradication of polio. History and Significance Origin: It was established by Rotary International to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the team that developed the first inactivated poliovirus vaccine. Rotary's Role: Rotary launched its flagship PolioPlus program in 1985 and became a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988 alongside the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Impact: Global polio cases have decreased by over 99.9% since the initiative began, with the wild polio virus remaining in only two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
How Rotary Participates Fundraising and Donations: Clubs organize community walks, fundraisers, and local events (like "Pints for Polio" or "Purple Pinkie" programs) where donations are matched by partners like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Public Awareness: Members light up prominent landmarks and public buildings with the "End Polio Now" message and host educational speaker sessions. Global Action: Millions of volunteer hours and billions of dollars have been contributed by Rotary members worldwide to protect children across dozens of countries.
To learn more and donate: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-work/ending-polio
Easy, one bowl, healthier pumpkin muffins made with whole wheat grains and naturally sweetened! These pumpkin muffins are as light, fluffy and delicious. Recipe yields 12 muffins. Ingredients:
1/3 cup melted coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey 2 eggs, at room temperature I cup canned pumpkin puree 1/4 cup milk of choice (I used almond milk) 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice blend (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice or cloves) 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour (all purpose flour works as well) 1/3 cup old-fashioned oats, plus more for sprinkling on top Optional: 2 teaspoons turbinado (raw) sugar for a sweet crunch
Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). If necessary, grease all 12 cups of your muffin tin with butter or non-stick cooking spray (my_pan is non-stick and didn’t require any grease). 2. In a large bowl, beat the oil and maple syrup or honey together with a whisk. Add the eggs, and beat well. Add the pumpkin puree, milk, pumpkin spice blend, baking soda, vanilla extract and salt. 3. Add the flour and oats to the bowl and mix with a large spoon, just until combined (a few lumps are ok). If you’d like to add any additional mix-ins, like nuts, chocolate or dried fruit, fold them in now.
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